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KIJ destination photo
FUK destination photo

KIJ β†’ FUK

Which side of the plane to sit from Niigata Airport (Niigata) to Fukuoka Airport (Fukuoka)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers spectacular views of the Japanese Alps and iconic volcanic peaks like Mount Daisen, providing a more diverse landscape than the sea-facing right side.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
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Northern Japanese Alps

Dramatic snow-capped peaks of Tateyama and Tsurugi-dake are visible shortly after departure from Niigata.

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Kanazawa City

A clear aerial view of Ishikawa's capital, including the historic Kenrokuen garden area and city layout.

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Mount Daisen

The most prominent peak in the Chugoku region, often referred to as the Fuji of the West for its volcanic shape.

🌊

Lake Shinji

A large, beautiful brackish lake near Matsue, famous for its importance to local fisheries and scenery.

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Hakata Skyline

A low-altitude view of Fukuoka's dense central business district during the final approach into the airport.

Choose a window seat forward of the wing for unobstructed views of the Northern Alps. In winter, the snow-capped peaks are breathtaking. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the mountains without the afternoon haze that can obscure the distant Chugoku range.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
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Noto Peninsula

The prominent and rugged geographic 'thumb' that extends significantly into the Sea of Japan.

🏝️

Oki Islands

Remote and mountainous volcanic islands visible on the horizon on clear days across the sea.

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Tottori Sand Dunes

Japan's largest sand dunes, appearing as a distinctive golden patch against the deep blue coastal waters.

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Shimonoseki Strait

The narrow and busy water passage that separates Japan's main island of Honshu from Kyushu.

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Uminonakamichi

The long sandbar and seaside park that frames the northern side of Hakata Bay during landing.

This side is ideal for sunset flights as you can watch the sun dip into the Sea of Japan. During the final descent into Fukuoka, the right side often provides a superior view of the coastal geography and the various islands scattered around the entrance to Hakata Bay.

Top Activities in Fukuoka
Route Information

Distance: 920 km (572 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min

Departure: KIJ (37.955898284899995, 139.121002197)

Arrival: FUK (33.585899353027344, 130.45100402832028)

Route Type: Domestic

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